What is the origin of the last name Dufour-de-lattre?

The surname "Dufour-de-Lattre" is a composite French surname formed by combining two separate ancestral names: "Dufour" and "de Lattre." The surname "Dufour" originates from the Old French word "du four," meaning "from the oven or bakery." It was likely a name given to a baker or someone who lived near an oven. On the other hand, the surname "de Lattre" is derived from the Old French "l'estrée," which means "the street" or "the lane." It was originally used as a locative name for someone who lived on a prominent road or path. The combination of these two surnames, "Dufour-de-Lattre," suggests that the original bearer may have lived near a bakery situated on a main road or path. The name has been recorded in France since the late Middle Ages and is still present today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufour-de-lattre

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufour-de-lattre

The surname Dufour-de-Lattre is a compound French name derived from two separate elements: Dufour and de Lattre.

The term "Dufour" originates from the Old French word "dufour," meaning "of the oven," which was likely an occupational name for a baker or someone associated with ovens. The name "de Lattre," on the other hand, is a locative name, indicating that the original bearer lived near or owned property marked by a "lattice" or "grating."

The compounding of these two surnames formed the surname Dufour-de-Lattre. It's important to note that French surnames did not become hereditary until the late Middle Ages, and their formation often reflected a person's profession, place of residence, or other significant characteristics. As with many surnames, the precise origin of Dufour-de-Lattre for any specific family may vary depending on individual histories and regional variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufour-de-lattre

The surname Dufour-de-Lattre is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions, particularly France and Belgium. In France, it's most prevalent in the eastern region of Franche-Comté, where the name Dufour is common, and in the Wallonia region of Belgium, where de Lattre originates. The name can also be found in Switzerland, another French-speaking country, due to historical migratory patterns. Additionally, there are significant diaspora communities bearing this surname in countries colonized by France, such as Canada, particularly in Quebec, and the United States, primarily in Louisiana and other regions with a strong French influence. The name's distribution reflects the historical presence of the French Empire and the migration of its inhabitants across various continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufour-de-lattre

The surname Dufour-de-Lattre has several variations and alternative spellings. Some of these include:

1. Dufour de Lattre
2. Dufour-de-Latré
3. Dufour-du-Latré
4. Du Four-de-Lattre
5. DuFour-de-Lattre
6. DufourdeLattre
7. Dufourdelattre
8. Dufordedelattre
9. DuFordedeLattre

These variations may arise due to differences in transcription, transliteration, or regional dialects over time. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a name can vary based on personal preference or historical context.

Famous people with the last name Dufour-de-lattre

Among individuals bearing the surname Dufour-de-Lattre, one of the most notable is Marie-Pierre Kœnig (1898-1970), a French general and Resistance leader during World War II. He was instrumental in organizing the French Forces of the Interior and played a crucial role in liberating Paris. Another significant figure is André Dufour (born 1932), a retired Swiss Air Force officer who served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1986 to 1990, during which time he led the modernization of the Swiss Air Force. Lastly, Alphonse Juin (1888-1967) was a French Army general who commanded the Free French Forces in Africa and took part in various battles against Axis forces during World War II. His military career spanned over four decades, and he was a prominent figure in post-war France's political and military affairs.

Genealogical research on the last name Dufour-de-lattre

The surname Dufour-de-Lattre originates from France and is a composite name formed by combining two separate names, "Dufour" and "de Lattre." The name Dufour is an occupational name derived from the Old French word "dufour," meaning baker. It was often given to individuals who were associated with the baking profession or lived near a bakery. The surname de Lattre, on the other hand, is a territorial name indicating that the original bearer was from a place named Lattre or lived there. Over time, families with this surname migrated and settled in various regions of France and later spread across Europe and North America. Notable individuals bearing the Dufour-de-Lattre surname include General André Jean Marie de Latrille-Pontgibaud, a French soldier who served during the Napoleonic Wars, and Charles Dufour-de-LATRIGE, a Canadian engineer and politician.

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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